"No amount of self-improvement can make up for any lack of self-acceptance."
R.Holden
Prof Dip Psy C., MA , PGDip,
MNCPS Accred
My name is Ania Borowiec, and I am an Integrative psychotherapist and a counsellor. I have been working as a therapist in Bristol for 17 years, supporting clients from diverse backgrounds.
Who I work with
You feel the world differently — more intensely, more deeply. You know how important it is to express yourself, and you also know how overwhelming that sensitivity can be. You may be managing anxiety, battling imposter syndrome, or feeling disconnected from the creative person you know yourself to be.
What we do together
We go to the root. Not just managing symptoms — actually understanding what's happening in your nervous system, where the struggle began, and healing it there. We build safety first, then curiosity, then we go deep. No judgment. Ever.
That imposter syndrome you carry? It's not evidence that you're a fraud. It's often the part of you that most wants to be seen and loved — the part that is most authentically you. We don't fight it. We get curious about it.
On the other side of this work, clients stop performing. Stop masking. They create more freely, without self-judgment or overthinking. Some find a new style, a new sound, a new voice — one that's actually theirs. They become more connected to themselves, to others, to something bigger.
How I show up
I'll be real with you in that room. Not a blank screen, not a professional mask. A real human and a real soul. Because when you feel that, you give yourself permission to be all of yourself too. Every part is welcome here.
I've done this work on my own pain. I know what it takes and what it gives back. It would be an honour to guide you through it.
What I believe
"Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less."
— Maria Skłodowska Curie
"Know all the theories. Master all the techniques. But as you touch a human soul, be just another human soul."
— Carl Jung
"No amount of self-improvement can make up for any lack of self-acceptance."
— Lori Gottlieb (commonly attributed to Holden)
Experience
I have years of experience working as a therapist for the NHS, as well as coordinating the Polish Psychologists’ Association’s and Bristol MIND’s project delivering therapy for families, before opening a private practice. I provided expertise on well-being issues to the Bristol University, as well as Bristol City Council.
I also worked for Nilaari Agency, where I had a chance to gain experience supporting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic clients as a trainee therapist.
I approach my work with passion and commitment, with empathy and respect. My method is proven highly effective and derives from various psychotherapeutic approaches such as Person-centred Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, Transactional Analysis, Inner child and shadow work. I tailor my approach to each client; your therapeutic journey will be unique.
I constantly update my training practice to reflect the most up-to-date therapeutic methods.
I am also an accredited member of the National Counselling And Psychotherapy Society.
I work with adults only and offer face-to-face and online sessions.
My qualifications:
Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Chrysalis, Bristol
Postgraduate Diploma in Group Psychotherapy, Cracovian Centre of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Kracow, Poland
Inner child Therapy Diploma, CoE, UK
Masters’ Degree in Childcare and School Counselling, University of Szczecin, Poland
Certificate in Group Therapy and Preventive Psychology, CEDR, Kracow, Poland
Health, Art and Creativity Certificate, intro to Art Therapy, City of Bristol College, Bristol
Additional training:
Brief Solution Focus Therapy
The Nervous System Reset: A Polyvagal -Informed Training for Trauma, Anxiety,PTSD & Neurodiversity
Understanding and managing ADHD and Anxiety Disorder (Anxiety, ADHD, ASD and the Brain neuroscience)
The Polyvagal Theory: Manage Anxiety, Trauma and Autism
Treating Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Body Mind Breakthrough
Healing Toxic Shame
Basic Neuroscience of Addiction and Recovery
Trauma, the brain and recovery
Transform Trauma Oxford 2025
From Pain to Pleasure: Erotic Recovery in Trauma Healing with Esther Perel
Healing Our Relational World: Trauma, The Body and Relational Healing with Bassel van Der Kolk and Lucia Sky
Parenting Beyond Childhood with Julia Samuel
When Intimacy Feels Unsafe: Healing the Legacy of Traumatic Attachment with Janina Fisher, Frank Anderson
ADHD Awareness
Body and mind awareness training
Manifesting Your Soul’s Destiny Seminar with David Ghiyam
Understanding sexual abuse,
Understanding parents’ abuse,
Understanding Domestic Violence and Abuse
Understanding and managing Imposter Syndrome
Race Equality Competences training
Identity Maps with ACTA
Safeguarding and child protection
Mental Health First Aid
Motivational Interviewing with S. Rolnick
Dealing with complex trauma
Understanding personality disorders
Understanding Autism
Using interpreters in mental health
Dealing with difficult behaviours
Dealing with loss and bereavement
Resilience skills
Substance misuse
Emotional Freedom Technique- EFT tapping for trauma
Art therapy training for counsellors with Marian Liebmann
Stress management in tough times
My therapy rooms are based in
Old Market, BS2
and
Montpelier, BS6
